Mechanical strain-based weather sensor

ABSTRACT

Provided herein is technology relating to weather sensors and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, and systems related to collecting weather data by measuring bending and compression stresses in a weather sensor device.

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 61/777,914, filed Mar. 12, 2013, which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Provided herein is technology relating to weather sensors andparticularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, and systemsrelated to collecting weather data by measuring bending, torsional, orcompression stresses in a weather sensor device.

BACKGROUND

Weather data are used by numerous entities such as government agenciesand a variety of industries for analysis and informational purposes. Forexample, some industries that typically require accurate weather datainclude power traders, utility companies, insurance agencies,agriculture, and research institutions. Moreover, accurate data arecritical for weather forecasting and meteorology, as well as foralternative energy planning and/or monitoring.

Atmospheric data is extracted from a variety of sources, includingground observations, satellites, upper atmospheric soundings, andsurface-based radar. In most instances, the most valuable data for theentities that depend on accurate weather data are obtained fromground-based observation of a set of constantly measured atmosphericparameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity, hydrometeor data,wind, dewpoint, solar intensity, pollutants, and severe weatherphenomena.

Often, a device called a weather station measures these atmosphericparameters. These devices are often transported to a location andoperate unattended. Accordingly, it is desirable for the weather sensorsused in a weather station to be compact, reliable, and accurate withoutintervention by the user.

For example, a conventional technology for detecting hydrometeors isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,286,935. This precipitation detectorcomprises a detector attached beneath a rigid surface. The impact ofhydrometeors on the surface causes the detector to output electricalsignals associated with the impacts. In other conventional technologies,wind measurements are performed by devices such as a wind vane or a cupanemometer. Each of these devices, by their nature, requires movingparts. These moving parts are susceptible to several modes of failure.For example, dirt and ice may cause these conventional devices to seizeand stop functioning. Over a long period of use, the moving parts ofconventional devices are also susceptible to mechanical failure.

In addition, conventional technologies such as a cup anemometer or animpeller-based wind measurement unit have an intrinsic latent responseto changing wind conditions and thus produce time-lagging data. Inparticular, the rotational inertia of the wind-flow collector prohibitssudden accelerations and decelerations that occur during sharp windtransients.

While some conventional solutions relate to anemometers with zero movingparts, these technologies also have drawbacks. For example, sonicanemometers require precise signal conditioning and are consequentlyoften expensive. In addition, hot wire anemometers are liable toaccumulate particulates that adversely affect the long term calibrationof wind values.

Accordingly, it was realized that there was a need for a compact,inexpensive, anemometer that has no rotational moving parts.

SUMMARY

Provided herein is technology relating to weather sensors andparticularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, and systemsrelated to collecting weather data. The technology is based upon theprinciple of bending stresses and the linear variation of stress betweenthe maximum and minimum point. While the technology relates in someaspects to the observed or modeled deformation of a hollow shaft or rod,the technology also encompasses measuring compression, bending, and/ortorsional stresses on other cross-sectional shapes using the appropriaterelationship for the particular cross-section that finds use in thetechnology.

In some embodiments, each strain is measured and input to a model tocalculate force (e.g., wind, hydrometeor) magnitude and direction (see,e.g., FIG. 1). The technology is not limited in the algorithms andconfigurations of strain gauges that are used to extract the data. Forexample, some embodiments comprise a device comprising three strainsensors placed at an interval of 120° and use of a model in which thevectors are added with 120° between them; in some embodiments, thetechnology relates to a device comprising four strain sensors placed atan interval of 90° and use of a model in which the vectors are addedwith 90° between them. Other numbers of sensors and their placement, andappropriate vector models, are contemplated by the technology.

In some embodiments, the sensors are attached to the periphery of shaft,rod, or other structure attached to a drag-generating component such asa sphere. The wind is moving air that applies a force on the sphere,thus producing a bending or torsional strain in the attached rod orshaft. This force on the drag-generating component is modeled the sameas a force on an object moving through a fluid. Accordingly, the dragforce acting upon the drag-generating component is approximated by:F _(d)=½ρν² c _(d) A  (1)wherein F_(d) is the force of drag, ρ is the density of the fluid (e.g.,air), ν is the velocity of the object relative to the fluid, c_(d) isthe drag coefficient (a dimensionless parameter), and A is the referencearea (e.g., an orthographic projection of the object on a planeperpendicular to the direction of motion, e.g. for objects with a simpleshape, such as a sphere, this is the cross sectional area). For a spherein wind, c_(d) is approximately 0.47 and A is the cross-sectional areaof the sphere, namely, A=πr².

In some embodiments, this drag force induces a bending moment throughouta shaft or a rod attached to the sphere, and this bending moment issensed by the strain sensors attached to the periphery of the shaft orrod. Some embodiments relate to monitoring and measuring torsionalstresses in the shaft attached to the sphere. The bending stress at thestrain sensor locations depends on the moment arm of the drag force. Forexample, the stress created by the bending moment is described by:

$\begin{matrix}{\sigma = {\frac{My}{I_{x}} = \frac{F_{d}{dy}}{I_{x}}}} & (2)\end{matrix}$where σ is the bending stress, M is the moment about the neutral axis, yis the perpendicular distance to the neutral axis, F_(d) is the dragforce, d is the moment arm (the distance from the drag force to thestrain sensors), and I_(x) is the second moment of area about theneutral axis x. The moment arm is directly proportional to the bendingstress observed at the strain sensors.

Furthermore, stress is related to strain byσ=Eε  (3)wherein the stress σ at the detector location is related to the strain εat the detector location by a factor E that is the tensile modulus ofelasticity for the material experiencing the strain. E is themathematical description of an object's or substance's tendency todeform elastically (e.g., non-permanently) along an axis when opposingforces are applied along that axis. As such, E is associated with thematerials from which the device is made. In embodiments utilizing thisrelationship between stress and strain (e.g., E), the device operateswithin the elastic region of the material where stress and strain arerelated by a linear relationship. In some embodiments, sensors alsodetect strains in other directions, such as the strain perpendicular tothe primary strain sensor's axis of sensitivity caused by Poisson'sratio and shear strain due to torsion. In some embodiments, thesestrains and stresses are detected by additional sensors or by usingdifferent types of sensors that detect these strains. However,measurement of these additional strains is not required to practice thetechnology according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a strain sensor that is astrain gauge. The technology is not limited in the type of strain sensorand/or strain gauge that is used. While many types of strain gaugeexist, some embodiments comprise a bonded resistance-based strain gauge.The resistance of a resistance-based strain gauge changes in proportionto the strain of the surface to which it is attached. The scalingbetween the change in resistance and the strain is called the gaugefactor. This relationship takes on the form of:

$\begin{matrix}{\frac{\Delta\; R}{R} = {\kappa ɛ}} & (4)\end{matrix}$where κ is the gauge factor. A typical value of R is, e.g., 120Ω to1000Ω. The value of κ is specific to the production batch and typicallyhas a value around 2.0. The strain is dimensionless and can be expressedas a decimal fraction, as a percentage, or in parts-per notation. Sincethe strain ε is on the order of parts per million (alternatively,“microstrain”) and therefore ΔR is on the order of μΩ, an exemplarycircuit for measuring strain is a Wheatstone bridge, which provides forsensitive detection. In some embodiments, the technology uses aWheatstone bridge such as shown in FIG. 8 in which R_(sg) represent theresistance-based strain gauges. By using two strain gauges on oppositesides of the device shaft and arranging the strain gauges within theWheatstone bridge to provide opposing ΔR changes, the change inresistance due to bending can be doubled, while temperature variation issignificantly reduced. While this exemplary circuit finds use in someembodiments of the technology, some embodiments comprise other circuitsand/or arrangements of the strain gauges within the Wheatstone bridge.

By assuming four identical resistance values within the Wheatstonebridge, the nominal voltage at the midpoint of each branch is half ofthe supplied voltage. Once the fixture is strained, each strain gauge inthe bridge will change by ΔR. This changes the voltage at the midpointbetween the two strain gauges because the voltage drop is proportionalto resistance for a common current flowing through the strain gauges.Since the other branch in the circuit remains unchanged, a voltagedifference exists between the two midpoints and is given by:

$\begin{matrix}{V_{diff} = {{V_{dd}\left( \frac{R + {\Delta\; R}}{R + {\Delta\; R} + R - {\Delta\; R}} \right)} - \frac{V_{dd}}{2}}} & (5)\end{matrix}$

This differential voltage can then be amplified by numerous differentamplifier topologies. For example, some embodiments comprise aninstrumentation amplifier, which rejects common mode voltages, isolatesthe strain gauge voltage from other circuitry components, provides adecently large gain, and provides adequate bandwidth:V _(amp) =k _(amp) V _(diff)  (6)

This amplified voltage (V_(amp)) is proportional to the differentialvoltage across the bridge (V_(diff)), which is proportional to thestrain of the strain gauge, which is proportional to the drag force andwind velocity detected by a device embodiment according to thetechnology, as provided by:

$\begin{matrix}{V_{amp} = {k_{amp}\left( {{V_{dd}\left( \frac{1 + {\kappa\frac{\frac{1}{2}\rho\; v^{2}c_{d}{Ady}}{I_{x}E}}}{2} \right)} - \frac{V_{dd}}{2}} \right)}} & (7)\end{matrix}$where all variables are known and V_(amp) is a function of windvelocity. Equation 7 can be rearranged to:

$\begin{matrix}{F_{drag} = {\frac{I_{x}E}{\kappa\;{dy}}\left( {{2\left( \frac{\frac{V_{amp}}{k_{amp}} + \frac{V_{dd}}{2}}{V_{dd}} \right)} - 1} \right)}} & (8)\end{matrix}$

This equation relates the output voltage to the component of drag forcethat is captured by these particular two strain gauges along the mountedaxis of the strain gauge, with each strain gauge positioned on oppositesides of the shaft. Similarly, in some embodiments, another axis of adual strain gauge configuration is employed on an axis perpendicular tothe previous axis of sensitivity (see, e.g., FIG. 5A). This arrangementprovides two simultaneous vectors of strain measurements, both with theability to measure the polarity of the force vector. By knowing both themagnitude and polarity of each vector, and the relative angularrelationship between the axes of sensitivity, one can find the resultantforce vector from the device or system. An embodiment of such anexemplary device is provided in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the responses fromstrain gauge 1 and strain gauge 3 are combined into one vector and theresponses from strain gauge 2 and strain gauge 4 are combined into asecond vector. In some embodiments, the strain gauges are mounted 90°from each other; in some embodiments, more vectors are added, e.g., insome embodiments these vectors are displaced at an angle that isdifferent than 90° to maximize sensitivity for a specific application.

In embodiments comprising sensors at 90°, then the resultant forcevector is found by the following equations:

$\begin{matrix}{{F_{resultant}} = \sqrt{{{magVec}\; 1^{2}} + {{magVec}\; 2^{2}}}} & (9) \\{{{{\angle\; F_{resultant}} = {\arctan\left( \frac{{magVec}\; 1}{{magVec}\; 2} \right)}},{for}}{{{magVec}\; 2} > 0}} & \left( {10a} \right) \\{{{{\angle\; F_{resultant}} = {{180{^\circ}} - {\arctan\left( {- \frac{{magVec}\; 1}{{magVec}\; 2}} \right)}}},{for}}{{{magVec}\; 2} < 0}} & \left( {10b} \right)\end{matrix}$where the vectors are described in the vector diagram shown in FIG. 9and MagVec1 is the magnitude of vector 1, MagVec2 is the magnitude ofvector 2, F_(resultant) is the magnitude of the resultant force vector,and ∠F_(resultant) is the angle of the resultant force vector.

In embodiments that comprise two strain gauges in a half-bridge, thedifferential voltage cancels out for similar loadings of the two straingauges. This decreases thermal sensitivity and limits the type of strainsensed to bending. Accordingly, some embodiments provide for measuringthe actual midpoint voltage within the Wheatstone bridge (rather thanthe differential voltage) and comparing the actual midpoint voltage tothe voltage of the original, unloaded measurement. Then, one obtains ameasurement that is directly proportional to ΔR in a strain gauge in thebridge without the cancelling effect of the other strain gauge that isidentically loaded for a purely compressive or purely tensile loading.This information is useful for measuring updrafts and downdrafts in windfluctuation and, furthermore, provides a three-dimensional wind dragforce vector in some embodiments of the technology.

In some embodiments, hydrometeors impacting the device induce acompressive strain on each strain gauge. The strain on each sensor isprocessed in the same way as the stress resulting from wind. Inaddition, some embodiments provide that the signals are processed byfrequency analysis to determine the amount of hydrometeors (e.g., rain,hail) impacting the device over a given period.

Some embodiments differentiate between stresses and strains caused bywind and stresses and stresses and strains caused by hydrometeors. Inparticular, wind typically produces a slower frequency in the devicethan a hydrometeor impact. When the device is exposed to both wind andhydrometeors, the resulting signal comprises high frequency hydrometeorsignals overlaid on a low frequency wind signal (see, e.g., FIG. 6).Also, by measuring the signal produced it each strain gauge, thelocation of each hydrometeor collision on the device is pinpointed usingthe models and calculations provided herein. Moreover, analyzing eachstrain signal for phenomena that deviate from a two-dimensional windmodel (e.g., that produce a higher than expected reading at one sensor)provides a three-dimensional vector model of wind, which cannot beproduced with a cup anemometer.

In some embodiments, the technology comprises two sets of two opposingstrain gauges in two Wheatstone bridge configurations to correct forexpansion and contraction of the material on which the sensors aremounted (e.g., due to changes in temperature). Such a configurationfinds use in several environments, e.g., in outdoor environments wheretemperature fluctuations persist throughout the lifetime of the sensor.However, the technology is not limited to this particular arrangement ofsensors and Wheatstone bridges to correct for expansion and contractionof the material on which the sensors are mounted and/or for temperaturecorrections. Correction is achieved with a number of differentconfigurations. Since material thermal expansion is generally wellknown, some types of strain gauges or sensors are able to compensate forthis apparent strain behavior by designing the strain gauge to mount toa certain material.

In some embodiments, the device comprises an accelerometer to determineany deviations in the mounting angle upon installation and during useafter installation. In some embodiments, the device compriseselectronics and/or a microprocessor programmed to calibrate the device,e.g., as a self-calibration. For example, hydrometeors and/or wind maycause the object to shift or may deform the object to cause an imbalancein the strain gauges. These phenomena are corrected by the calibrationprocess. In some embodiments, the device will trigger an alarm to alerta user if a catastrophic failure occurs. In some embodiments, the alarmis transmitted to a remote user, e.g., over a network such as a cellularnetwork, a wireless network, a wired network, the internet, by anoptical signal, etc.

In some embodiments, the final placement and attachment angle of thedevice determines the initial state of strain. Thus, embodiments providefor establishing a null point as a zero force vector or wind vectorbaseline. In some embodiments, an on-board accelerometer is used tosense the gravitational alignment of the device with respect to theearth. For example, this signal is used in some embodiments to de-couplethe strain sensor values, which depend on both the wind/force vector andthe alignment with the earth. In some embodiments, the device compriseson-board temperature and humidity sensors to compensate for anytemperature induced effects or errors in the strain readings. Moreover,in some embodiments, the device comprises an on-board compass tocalibrate wind direction automatically with respect to north despite anyvariable alignment of the device.

The technology is not limited in the materials used to construct thedevice. In some embodiments, the device is constructed from a metal or aplastic. In embodiments that comprise a drag generating component (e.g.,a sphere) attached to a strained fixture (e.g., a shaft, e.g., acylindrical shaft), the materials of the drag generating component andthe shaft may be the same or they may be different. For example, in someembodiments the drag generating component is made from a material thatis rigid and the shaft is made from a material that is compliant. Insome embodiments, the drag generating component is made from a plastic(e.g., polycarbonate, polyethylene, polystyrene, etc.) or stainlesssteel and the shaft is made from an acrylic material. In embodiments inwhich the device detects hydrometeors such as hail, the material is ableto withstand impacts of hail stones striking the device.

In some embodiments, the device comprises sensors to measuretemperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, solar energy incidenceand/or flux, sound, ambient light, etc. In some embodiments, the devicecomprises a proximity sensor. In some embodiments, measurements and/ordata provided by one or more of these sensors are used to calibrate theinstrument. In some embodiments, measurements and/or data provided byone or more of these sensors are used to correct other measurementscollected by the device. In some embodiments, the measurements frommultiple sensors are integrated to provide an accurate measure of wind,hydrometeor impacts, other atmospheric and weather data, etc. Forexample, in some embodiments the measured air density is used to adjustparameters in the drag force equation (Equation 1) to provide anaccurate drag force measurement to measure wind and hydrometeor impacts.In another exemplary embodiment, deviations in measurements due totemperature drift are corrected using sunlight and temperature readings.Further uses of these sensors include the use of a sound sensor tomeasure the size and/or speed of a hydrometeor or to measure wind speed,wind gusts, and/or wind direction; the use of temperature differentialson the device to determine wind direction; the use of temperature datato adjust parameters related to the stiffness and/or pliability of thematerials used to construct the device.

In some embodiments, data are collected from two or more devices toprovide weather and/or atmospheric data from multiple points in ageographic region. For example, multiple data sets from devicesseparated from one another are used, e.g., for predictive andstatistical analysis of storms and other weather events includingfronts, rain, snow, pressure systems, and high winds. In someembodiments, the two or more devices communicate with one another otherand in some embodiments the two or more devices communicate with acomputer (e.g., a data server) over a network (e.g., a cellular network,a wireless network, a wired network, the internet, by an optical signal,etc.). The technology is not limited by the distance or geographic areathat separates two or more devices or the geographic area for which thetwo or more devices provides weather and/or atmospheric data frommultiple points. In some embodiments, the devices are separated by 10 m,100 m, 1000 m, 10,000 m, or more. In some embodiments, the devicesprovide weather and/or atmospheric data for a region that is 100 m²,1000 m², 10,000 m², 100,000 m², or more. In some embodiments, thedevices are placed at two or more points anywhere on the Earth, e.g.,the devices are placed within approximately 20,000 to 25,000 km of oneanother (the circumference of the earth is approximately 40,000 km). Assuch, the geographic region for which data are collected may be, forexample, a single residence, a city block, a neighborhood, a town orcity, a county, a state, a country, a continent, an ocean, or the entireplanet, and any intermediate geographic region and/or political entitywithin this range.

In some embodiments, the data from one or more devices is processed by acomputer to provide historical, real-time, or forecasted weatherinformation for a geographic area. In some embodiments, the historical,real-time, or forecasted weather information is presented graphically toa user by a display. In some embodiments, the weather and/or atmosphericdata from multiple points triggers an alert or an alarm that istransmitted to a user or service (e.g., over a telephone line, acellular network, a wireless network, a wired network, the internet, byan optical signal, etc.) to prompt preparation for a weather event. Insome embodiments, the data from one or more devices is processed by acomputer using a model to predict the weather at one or more geographicregions.

Accordingly, in one aspect the technology is related to weather-sensingapparatus comprising a drag-generating component and two or more strainsensors, wherein a force applied to the drag-generating componentproduces a strain detected by the two or more strain sensors. In someembodiments, the weather-sensing apparatus further comprises a shaftattached to the drag-generating component, said shaft comprising the twoor more sensors. Forces applied to the drag-generating component producetwo or more stresses that are measured by the two or more strain sensorsthat are, in some embodiment, attached to the shaft. The technology isnot limited with respect to the shape of the drag-generating component.For example, in some embodiments, the drag-generating component is asphere. However, the drag-generating component may also be, e.g., anellipsoid, a disc, a slab, a torus, an airfoil, a cylinder, or comprisea drag-generating component such as a wind sock or parachute.

In some embodiments, the weather-sensing apparatus comprises a shaftthat is a hollow cylinder. In some embodiments, the weather-sensingapparatus comprises a shaft that is a rod, e.g., a solid rod.

In some embodiments, the weather-sensing apparatus consists of 4sensors, for example some embodiments of the weather-sensing apparatusconsist of 4 sensors placed at 90° intervals relative to one another,e.g., around the circumference of the cylindrical shaft.

In some embodiments, the weather-sensing apparatus consists of 3sensors, for example some embodiments of the weather-sensing apparatusconsist of 3 sensors placed at 120° intervals relative to one another,e.g., around the circumference of the cylindrical shaft.

In some embodiments of the weather-sensing apparatus, the two or moresensors are connected electrically, e.g., in a circuit such as aWheatstone bridge. In some embodiments, the weather-sensing apparatuscomprises a first sensor and a second sensor arranged opposite eachother and connected electrically in a first Wheatstone bridge and athird sensor and a fourth sensor arranged opposite each other andconnected electrically in a second Wheatstone bridge.

Some embodiments of the device comprise components such as anaccelerometer, e.g., to sense the orientation of the device in space, tosense changes of the orientation of the device in space, and/or to senseaccelerations (changes of a velocity vector associated with the device)of the device in space. Some embodiments of the weather-sensingapparatus further comprise a temperature sensor, an atmospheric pressuresensor, a humidity sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, a proximitysensor, a vibration sensor, a compass, and/or a pollution sensor.

The technology is not limited in the material that is used to constructthe weather-sensing apparatus. For example, in some embodiments, thedrag-generating component is made of plastic or metal (e.g., stainlesssteel). In some embodiments, the shaft is made of plastic (e.g.,acrylic).

The technology provides for the communication of one or more deviceswith each other or with a computer. As such, some embodiments of theweather-sensing apparatus comprise a data transfer component. In someembodiments, the weather-sensing apparatus further comprises a wirelesscommunications component. Some embodiments of the weather-sensingapparatus comprise a data storage component. In some embodiments, thestrain sensors are a type of sensor that is a strain gauge,semiconductor strain gauge, piezo crystal, resistive element, capacitiveelement, inductive element, acoustic sensor, or an optical sensor.

In another aspect, the technology relates to methods for measuring aweather-related force applied to a device, the method comprisingproviding a device comprising a drag-generating component and two ormore strain sensors; obtaining two or more stress measurements from thetwo or more strain sensors; and calculating a vector from the two ormore stress measurements, wherein the vector describes theweather-related force applied to the device. In some embodiments, themethod comprises calculating a bending moment in a shaft attached to thedrag-generating moment. Some embodiments of the methods compriseproducing an electrical signal proportional to the weather-related forceapplied to the device.

Collecting weather data over a time period is useful to extractinformation related, for example, to wind-related phenomena andhydrometeor-related phenomena. Accordingly, in some embodiments themethods provide for recording a plurality of vectors as a function oftime to produce a data set. In some embodiments, the methods furthercomprise deconvoluting a high-frequency signal of the data set from alow-frequency signal of the data set, e.g., to discriminate wind fromhydrometeor events.

Embodiments of the methods comprise transmitting data describing thevector that describes the weather-related force applied to the device.

In some embodiments, the methods comprise obtaining four stressmeasurements from a device consisting of four strain sensors.Furthermore, some embodiments of the methods comprise calibrating thedevice using the four stress measurements. In some embodiments, thedescription of a weather-related force or event benefits from additionaldata. For example, some embodiments provide for obtaining a measurementfrom a temperature sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a humiditysensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, a proximity sensor, a vibrationsensor, or a pollution sensor.

Moreover, the description of weather events comprises, in someembodiments, collecting data from a plurality of said devices, e.g.,distributed over a geographic region. Collecting data from a number oflocations throughout a geographic regions provides, for example,modeling weather based on data collected from a plurality of saiddevices. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the methods comprisepredicting a weather event, e.g., based on the data collected.

Further aspects of the technology relate to systems for measuring aweather-related force applied to a device, the system comprising adevice comprising a drag-generating component and two or more strainsensors, said device configured to output strain measurements from thetwo or more strain sensors to a computer and a computer configuredreceive as input the strain measurements from the two or more strainsensors and calculate a weather-related force applied to a device. Insome embodiments, the systems provided comprise a software component forimplementing an algorithm to receive as inputs the strain measurementsand calculate a force vector describing the weather related forceapplied to the device. And, in some embodiments, systems comprise asoftware component for implementing an algorithm to receive as inputsthe strain measurements and calculate a bending moment of a shaftattached to the drag-generating component of the device. Someembodiments comprise two or more said devices, e.g., embodiments areprovided comprising two or more said devices distributed over ageographic region and in communication with a computer. In someembodiments, the device and the computer are housed in a single unit andin some embodiments the device and the computer are connected by anetwork. Embodiments are provided to collect data for a geographicregion. For example, in some embodiments two or more devices aredistributed over a region having an area of 100 to 100,000 m². In someembodiments, two or more devices are separated from one another by 10 to10,000 m. In some embodiments, two or more devices are separated fromone another by 10 m to 25,000 km and/or are distributed over an areathat is from 10 m² to 520,000,000 km², e.g., the two devices are at anytwo points on the Earth and may be installed on land or at sea.

Additional embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in therelevant art based on the teachings contained herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presenttechnology will become better understood with regard to the followingdrawings:

FIG. 1 is a drawing showing graphically a determination of winddirection by an embodiment of the technology comprising four sensors.The drawing shows a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of thetechnology comprising four strain sensors (shown as approximatelyrectangular features) placed at 90° intervals around the periphery ofthe shaft. The regions of maximum tensile stress, maximum compressivestress, and strain measured by the four strain sensors are indicated forthe particular direction of the incident wind indicated on the drawing.

FIG. 2 shows a graphical representation of the vector model used todetermine the magnitude and direction of a force (e.g., due to windand/or hydrometeors) measured by a device according to the technology.FIG. 2A shows a graphical representation of the vector model in whichthe measured strains at four sensors (Strain 1, Strain 2, Strain 3, andStrain 4) are used to determine a magnitude (|x|) and a direction (α) ofthe force applied to the device, e.g., by a wind or by a hydrometeor;FIG. 2B shows a top view of a 4-sensor embodiment of the device and anexemplary force vector having an angle α determined by the device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing an embodiment of a deviceaccording to the technology comprising a drag generating component(e.g., a sphere) attached to a shaft (e.g., a cylindrical shaft); andassociated sensor components, electronics, software instructions thatperform algorithms, and components for data storage and data transfer.

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a side view of an embodiment of a deviceaccording to the technology. The device comprises a drag generatingcomponent (1), a shaft (2), a grounded fixture (3), and two or morestrain or stress sensing devices (4) attached to the shaft.

FIG. 5 shows top cross sectional views of embodiments of the presenttechnology consisting of four strain or stress sensing devices andconsisting of three strain or stress sensing devices. FIG. 5A shows anembodiment consisting of four strain or stress sensing devices (4)attached to the shaft (e.g., a cylindrical shaft) (2) at intervals of90°. FIG. 5B shows an embodiment consisting of three strain or stresssensing devices (4) attached to the shaft (e.g., a cylindrical shaft)(2) at intervals of 120°.

FIG. 6 shows an example of data collected by the technology providedherein. FIG. 6A shows exemplary data in which high-frequency signals(e.g., produced by hydrometeor impacts) are superimposed on alow-frequency signal (e.g., produced by wind). In the data set, theabscissa is related to the time elapsed relative to initiating datacollection and the ordinate is related to the force data applied to thedevice. FIG. 6B is a plot of experimental data that show wind data and adetected impact event.

FIG. 7 shows experimental data acquired by a device embodiment accordingto the technology described herein.

FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of a Wheatstone bridge used in someembodiments of the technology.

FIG. 9 is a vector diagram.

FIG. 10 is a schematic showing an embodiment of the technology asdescribed herein, e.g., a device comprising a sensor circuit (e.g., aWheatstone bridge), an amplifier, an analog to digital converter, and amicroprocessor.

It is to be understood that the figures are not necessarily drawn toscale, nor are the objects in the figures necessarily drawn to scale inrelationship to one another. The figures are depictions that areintended to bring clarity and understanding to various embodiments ofapparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein. Wherever possible,the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to referto the same or like parts. Moreover, it should be appreciated that thedrawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings inany way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein is technology for collecting environmental data,atmospheric data, weather data, and other types of data. The technologyprovides embodiments of apparatuses (devices), methods, and systems forcollecting weather data, processing weather data, modeling weather data,and presenting weather data. In some embodiments, two or more devicesaccording to the technology are distributed over a geographic region tocollect weather data at multiple points in the geographic region.Embodiments of the technology are discussed below. In the descriptionthat follows, the section headings used herein are for organizationalpurposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the describedsubject matter in any way.

In this detailed description of the various embodiments, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed. One skilled in theart will appreciate, however, that these various embodiments may bepracticed with or without these specific details. In other instances,structures and devices are shown in block diagram form. Furthermore, oneskilled in the art can readily appreciate that the specific sequences inwhich methods are presented and performed are illustrative and it iscontemplated that the sequences can be varied and still remain withinthe spirit and scope of the various embodiments disclosed herein.

All literature and similar materials cited in this application,including but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles,books, treatises, and internet web pages are expressly incorporated byreference in their entirety for any purpose. Unless defined otherwise,all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning asis commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which thevarious embodiments described herein belongs. When definitions of termsin incorporated references appear to differ from the definitionsprovided in the present teachings, the definition provided in thepresent teachings shall control.

Definitions

To facilitate an understanding of the present technology, a number ofterms and phrases are defined below. Additional definitions are setforth throughout the detailed description.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein doesnot necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may.Furthermore, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does notnecessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, asdescribed below, various embodiments of the invention may be readilycombined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operatorand is equivalent to the term “and/or” unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows forbeing based on additional factors not described, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification,the meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references. Themeaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

As used herein, the term “weather data”, “weather events”, and “weatherphenomenon” refer to wind and hydrometeor impacts incident onembodiments of the devices described herein, but is not limited to windand hydrometeor impacts and thus includes other weather-related forcesand phenomena.

Embodiments of the Technology

1. Devices

In some embodiments, the technology provides a sensing device, e.g., tosense, measure, and/or collect weather data, atmospheric data,environmental data, etc., such as wind speed and/or direction;hydrometeor size, volume, etc.; and/or hydrometeor impact speed,direction, rate, number, etc. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, exemplaryembodiments of a device according to the technology comprise a draggenerating component (1) attached to a shaft (2) to sense weatherrelated phenomena. Furthermore, the shaft (2) is attached to a groundedfixture (3) to allow for weather related phenomena to influence the draggenerating component (1) and produce a strain within the shaft material(2). The technology is not limited in the shape of the drag generatingcomponent. In some embodiments, the drag generating component is asphere. In some embodiments, the drag generating component is spheroid,ellipsoid, cylindrical, or polyhedral. In some embodiments, the shaftattached to the drag generating component is a cylinder. In someembodiments, the diameter of the sphere is from about 5 to about 12inches in diameter.

The strain produced on the shaft (2) is sensed by two or more strain orstress sensing devices (4) attached to the shaft (2). In someembodiments, the strain or stress sensing devices are, e.g., straingauges, semiconductor strain gauges, piezo crystals, resistive elements,capacitive elements, inductive elements, acoustic sensors, opticalsensors, or the like. The stress or strain detected by each strain orstress sensing device is converted to an electrical signal, e.g., avoltage, a current, a resistance, etc., by the electronic components ofthe device (e.g., see FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the analog signal isfurther converted into a digital signal, e.g., by an analog/digital(A/D) converter. The strain sensing devices (4) produce data that areinput into an algorithm or model for determining the magnitude and/ordirection vector of the weather related phenomena detected by thedevice. In particular, the relative strains on each strain or stresssensing device are used to calculate the magnitude and/or directionvector of the weather related phenomena detected by the device. In someembodiments, the vector is determined in a two-dimensional coordinatesystem; in some embodiments, the vector is determined in athree-dimensional coordinate system. In some embodiments, the sensorsreside within the coordinate system in which the vector is determined.In some embodiments, the sensors are used to establish the coordinatesystem used to determine the vector in two-dimensions orthree-dimensions.

In some embodiments, the sensors measure the relative tilt of thestrained drag generating component (1). Furthermore, in someembodiments, the sensors (4) and/or shaft (2) measure a vibrationfrequency of the drag generating component (1). Some embodiments providethat the drag generating component (1) has an aerodynamic draggenerating shape such as a plate, rain drop, or comprises a componentshaped as a wind sock or parachute shape. In some embodiments, the draggenerating component has a cross-section shaped like an airfoil, e.g.,like an airplane wing.

In some embodiments the device is oriented with the grounded fixture (3)nearer the ground than the drag generating device. The orientation ofthe device is not limited to this particular orientation. The device maybe mounted or fixed in any orientation. For example, in some embodimentsthe device is oriented upside down, e.g., with the drag generatingdevice nearer the ground than the grounded fixture.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a power supply such as abattery, solar cell, wind generator, radioactive source, etc. or issupplied by an external source of alternating or direct current. In someembodiments, the device comprises an indicator such as a light (e.g., anLED) that provides information about the status of the device to a user(e.g., to show that the device is working properly, to show the statusof a battery charge, to show that the device is in or has experienced afailure mode, etc.)

In some embodiments, the device comprises a processor, e.g., forexecuting computer-executable program instructions (e.g., stored in amemory) to perform steps of an algorithm, calculate a mathematicalmodel, process data, filter data, control electronic circuits, controlsensors, and/or to manage data storage and/or data transfer. Exemplaryprocessors include, e.g., a microprocessor, an ASIC, and a state machineand can be any of a number of computer processors. Such processorsinclude, or may be in communication with, media, for examplecomputer-readable media, which stores instructions that, when executedby the processor, cause the processor to perform steps described herein.In some embodiments, the microprocessor is configured to performinstructions encoded in software.

2. Methods

The technology comprises methods for determining the magnitude and/ordirection of a force applied to a device according to the technology bymeasuring the strain or stress at two or more strain or stress sensors.For example, method embodiments comprise steps such as obtaining two ormore stress or strain measurements from two or more strain or stresssensors, inputting the two or more strain or stress measurements into amodel or algorithm for calculating a force vector, calculating the forcevector, and outputting a force vector. Some embodiments comprisecalculating and/or modeling steps that calculate a drag force and/or abending stress or strain caused by a bending moment, e.g., by providingempirical or other parameters to one or more of Equations 1-11 andcalculating and displaying a result. In some embodiments, the methodscomprise measuring a bending stress at two or more strain sensorsattached to a shaft, inputting the two or more bending stresses into avector model to determine a bending moment in the shaft, and using thebending moment of the shaft to calculate a drag force vector (e.g.,consisting of a force magnitude and a force direction) experienced by adrag generating device attached to the shaft, e.g., from the force of awind or a hydrometeor impact on the drag generating device. Someembodiments relate to monitoring and measuring torsional stresses in theshaft attached to the sphere.

In some embodiments, methods comprise recording a series of drag forcevectors as a function of time. In some embodiments, the device issubject to multiple types and/or sources of forces, e.g., sometimessimultaneously and sometimes periodically throughout a time that saidforces are measured. For example, forces on the device caused by windand by hydrometeor impacts produce low-frequency signals andhigh-frequency signals, respectively, data comprising force measurementsrecorded as a function of the time domain. Accordingly, in someembodiments, methods relate to discriminating low-frequency phenomena(e.g., such as wind) from high-frequency phenomena (e.g., such ashydrometeor impacts) recorded by the devices of the technology. Inparticular, these methods comprise deconvoluting the high-frequency andlow-frequency components of the force frequency signal. In an exemplaryembodiment, the force frequency signal is modeled as a linearcombination of a low-frequency signal and a high-frequency signal (e.g.,the result of adding the high-frequency signal to the low-frequencysignal). In some embodiments, other forms of signal processing areapplied to the force frequency signal such as Fourier transformanalysis, filtering methods (e.g., low-pass filtering, high-passfiltering, band-pass filtering), peak fitting, background correction,smoothing, etc.

For example, in some embodiments the methods comprise filtering noisefrom the measurements. For example, in some embodiments, the straincreates a voltage that is indirectly read by an onboard microprocessor.Where the voltage may have a small amount of noise in its readings,embodiments comprise using an algorithm (e.g., as performed byinstructions provided to the microprocessor) to smooth noise, e.g., by aprocess called moving triangle averaging. The triangle moving average isan average that is weighted with weights that rise from the most recentsample towards the farthest sample. The weighting function is a trianglethat moves as the moving average moves. The triangle is k units wide andits height is 2/k units so that the area of the triangle is 1. Thisgives the last historical values a higher weight and old values a lowerweight. In this exemplary method, a weight is given to readings thatoccur before and after the instant reading, the readings are summed, andthe summation is divided by the total weight, e.g., as shown in thefollowing equation:

$\begin{matrix}{V = \frac{\begin{matrix}{{V_{i - n}(1)} + \ldots + {V_{i - 1}\left( {n - 1} \right)} +} \\{{V_{i}n} + {V_{i + 1}\left( {n - 1} \right)} + \ldots + {V_{i + n}(1)}}\end{matrix}}{1 + \ldots + \left( {n - 1} \right) + n + \left( {n - 1} \right) + {\ldots\mspace{14mu}(1)}}} & (11)\end{matrix}$where V is the resulting smoothed voltage, V_(i) is the current (e.g.,present or instant) voltage, V_(i−n) is a voltage reading n readingsbefore the current reading, and V_(i+n) is a voltage reading n readingsafter the current (e.g., present or instant) voltage.3. Systems

In another aspect, the technology relates to systems comprisingembodiments of the devices described herein. Exemplary embodiments of asystem comprise a weather-sensing device as described herein and acomputer in communication with the device. In some embodiments, thesystem comprises a second device as described herein in communicationwith the first device and/or in communication with the computer. Thesystems furthermore comprise in some embodiments a software componentfor implementing algorithms and models used to calculate a force vectorof a force applied to the device by a weather phenomenon and to modelweather patterns based on the data collected from two or more devicesinstalled throughout a geographic region. In some embodiments, one ormore of the devices comprise a software component to calculate a forcevector of a force applied to the device by a weather phenomenon and insome embodiments the stress sensor data is transmitted to a computerthat comprises the software component to calculate a force vector of aforce applied to the device by a weather phenomenon.

In some embodiments, a computer collects data from multiple devices andcomprises a software component to model weather patterns based on thedata collected from two or more devices installed throughout ageographic region. In some embodiments, the software component predictsfuture weather events. In some embodiments, the systems further comprisean alerting component that issues an alert to a user or to anotherentity, e.g., for an action to be taken that is appropriate for thepredicted weather events. System embodiments are implemented, forexample, in a network of devices and, in some embodiments, computers. Ageographic area may be covered by a network or “micro-grid” of thedevices in communication with each other and, in some embodiments, acomputer (e.g., a data server) to analyze the data from multiple devices(e.g., apply a statistical analysis of the data). In some embodimentsthe systems provide a historical record, provide real-time monitoring,and/or provide predictions of weather events such as storms,temperature, front movements, rain, snow, pressure systems, wind speed,wind direction, ultraviolet radiation, heat index, air quality,dewpoint, ambient noise, etc.

4. Computer Systems and Hardware

In some embodiments, the devices, methods, and systems described hereinare associated with a programmable machine designed to perform asequence of arithmetic or logical operations as provided by the methodsdescribed herein. For example, in some embodiments, the device comprisesthe sensor circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge), an amplifier, and analogto digital converter, and a microprocessor as shown in FIG. 10.

For example, some embodiments of the technology are associated with(e.g., implemented in) computer software and/or computer hardware. Inone aspect, the technology relates to a computer comprising a form ofmemory, an element for performing arithmetic and logical operations, anda processing element (e.g., a microprocessor) for executing a series ofinstructions (e.g., a method as provided herein) to read, manipulate,and store data. In some embodiments, a microprocessor is part of asystem for collecting strain data, calculating force vectors, and/ormodeling weather data. Some embodiments comprise a storage medium andmemory components. Memory components (e.g., volatile and/or nonvolatilememory) find use in storing instructions (e.g., an embodiment of aprocess as provided herein) and/or data (e.g., a work piece such asstrain measurements and/or force vectors and/or a time series of forcevectors). Some embodiments relate to systems also comprising one or moreof a CPU, a graphics card, and a user interface (e.g., comprising anoutput device such as display and an input device such as a keyboard).

Programmable machines associated with the technology compriseconventional extant technologies and technologies in development or yetto be developed (e.g., a quantum computer, a chemical computer, a DNAcomputer, an optical computer, a spintronics based computer, etc.).

In some embodiments, the technology comprises a wired (e.g., metalliccable, fiber optic) or wireless transmission medium for transmittingdata. For example, some embodiments relate to data transmission over anetwork (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), anad-hoc network, the internet, etc.). In some embodiments, programmablemachines are present on such a network as peers and in some embodimentsthe programmable machines have a client/server relationship.

In some embodiments, data are stored on a computer-readable storagemedium such as a hard disk, flash memory, optical media, a floppy disk,etc.

In some embodiments, the technology provided herein is associated with aplurality of programmable devices that operate in concert to perform amethod as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, aplurality of computers (e.g., connected by a network) may work inparallel to collect and process data, e.g., in an implementation ofcluster computing or grid computing or some other distributed computerarchitecture that relies on complete computers (with onboard CPUs,storage, power supplies, network interfaces, etc.) connected to anetwork (private, public, or the internet) by a conventional networkinterface, such as Ethernet, fiber optic, or by a wireless networktechnology.

For example, some embodiments provide a computer that includes acomputer-readable medium. The embodiment includes a random access memory(RAM) coupled to a processor. The processor executes computer-executableprogram instructions stored in memory. Such processors may include amicroprocessor, an ASIC, a state machine, or other processor, and can beany of a number of computer processors, such as processors from IntelCorporation of Santa Clara, Calif. and Motorola Corporation ofSchaumburg, Ill. Such processors include, or may be in communicationwith, media, for example computer-readable media, which storesinstructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processorto perform the steps described herein.

Embodiments of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to,an electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage or transmissiondevice capable of providing a processor with computer-readableinstructions. Other examples of suitable media include, but are notlimited to, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic disk, memory chip, ROM,RAM, an ASIC, a configured processor, all optical media, all magnetictape or other magnetic media, or any other medium from which a computerprocessor can read instructions. Also, various other forms ofcomputer-readable media may transmit or carry instructions to acomputer, including a router, private or public network, or othertransmission device or channel, both wired and wireless. Theinstructions may comprise code from any suitable computer-programminglanguage, including, for example, C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, Java,Python, Perl, and JavaScript.

Computers are connected in some embodiments to a network. Computers mayalso include a number of external or internal devices such as a mouse, aCD-ROM, DVD, a keyboard, a display, or other input or output devices.Examples of computers are personal computers, digital assistants,personal digital assistants, cellular phones, mobile phones, smartphones, pagers, digital tablets, laptop computers, internet appliances,and other processor-based devices. In general, the computers related toaspects of the technology provided herein may be any type ofprocessor-based platform that operates on any operating system, such asMicrosoft Windows, Linux, UNIX, Mac OS X, etc., capable of supportingone or more programs comprising the technology provided herein. Someembodiments comprise a personal computer executing other applicationprograms (e.g., applications). The applications can be contained inmemory and can include, for example, a word processing application, aspreadsheet application, an email application, an instant messengerapplication, a presentation application, an Internet browserapplication, a calendar/organizer application, and any other applicationcapable of being executed by a client device.

All such components, computers, and systems described herein asassociated with the technology may be logical or virtual.

Although the disclosure herein refers to certain illustratedembodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are presentedby way of example and not by way of limitation.

EXAMPLES Example 1—Data Collection and Discrimination of Impacts fromWind

During the development of embodiments of the technology provided herein,experiments were conducted to collect wind speed and impact data fromthe environment (see FIG. 6B). The data in this example were takenoutside with a strain sensor device as described herein. Two channels ofvoltage data were collected (FIG. 6B, upper and lower traces). TheX-axis shows the time in seconds and the Y-axis shows the voltagerecorded by the device. The data shown in FIG. 6B show a low-frequencysignal associated with wind speed and a clear instance of particleimpact that is shown in the data as a sharp peak in the voltage atapproximately 4000 seconds. These data demonstrate the experimentaldifferentiation of wind speed from impacts in data acquired by a deviceaccording to the technology.

Example 2—Field Testing a Device Embodiment

During the development of embodiments of the technology provided herein,a device embodiment was used to collect wind speed data. The data inthis example were taken outside with a strain sensor device as describedherein. Control measurements were taken with a conventionalpropeller-based wind speed meter (a Kestrel 4000 NV) attached to a windvane and mounted on a tri-pod. These devices were placed 5 feet apartand data were collected over the course of 48 hours.

The data shown in FIG. 7 are taken from a one-minute snap shot. TheX-axis shows the time in seconds and the Y-axis shows the voltage (in100 mV increments) and wind speed in miles per hour (MPH). The Kestreltook measurements every 2 seconds (upper dashed line) and the embodimentof the strain device took voltage measurements 100 times a second (lowerdotted line) and converted the measurements internally to produce a MPHreading (upper solid line). The chart shows that embodiment of thestrain device is more responsive than the conventional technology (e.g.,more readings per time unit) and provides comparable wind speed data asthe conventional wind measurement device. Accordingly, the embodiment ofthe device tested provides higher resolution data (e.g., in the timedomain) and will record events that the conventional technology maymiss. For example, the conventional technology will not record certaindetails in wind variation that occur on the order of one or two seconds.Moreover, the conventional technology is less accurate due to recordingwind speed based on a propeller measurement because a propeller takesseveral seconds to change speed, e.g., after a wind ceases, in responseto a change in wind speed.

All publications and patents mentioned in the above specification areherein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.Various modifications and variations of the described compositions,methods, systems, and uses of the technology will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of thetechnology as described. Although the technology has been described inconnection with specific exemplary embodiments, it should be understoodthat the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to suchspecific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the describedmodes for carrying out the invention that are obvious to those skilledin related fields are intended to be within the scope of the followingclaims.

We claim:
 1. A weather-sensing apparatus comprising: a) a spherical drag-generating component; b) a shaft connected to the spherical drag-generating component; c) two or more force sensors attached directly to the shaft; and d) a processor configured to calculate three-dimensional vector data from force sensor signals; and to identify an individual hydrometeor impact from the three-dimensional vector data, wherein a force applied to the drag-generating component produces a force detected by the two or more force sensors.
 2. The weather-sensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processor is configured to calculate the three-dimensional vector data from the force sensor signals and one or both of a sound sensor signal or an accelerometer signal.
 3. The weather-sensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processor is further configured to transmit three-dimensional vector data.
 4. The weather-sensing apparatus of claim 3 wherein the transmitted three-dimensional vector data comprises three-dimensional wind velocity vector data or three-dimensional hydrometeor velocity vector data.
 5. The weather-sensing apparatus of claim 1 consisting of 3 or 4 force sensors.
 6. The weather-sensing apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an accelerometer, wherein a measurement from the accelerometer describes an acceleration of the weather-sensing apparatus caused by an individual hydrometeor impact.
 7. The weather-sensing apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a data transfer component, a data storage component, or a wireless communications component.
 8. The weather-sensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the two or more force sensors comprise sensors selected from the group consisting of strain gauges, piezo crystals, resistive elements, capacitive elements, inductive elements, acoustic sensors, and optical sensors.
 9. The weather-sensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processor is further configured to calculate a size, a mass, or a volume for an individual hydrometeor impacting the weather-sensing apparatus.
 10. The weather-sensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processor is further configured to calculate a three-dimensional velocity vector for an individual hydrometeor impacting the weather-sensing apparatus.
 11. The weather-sensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processor is further configured to calculate a real-time three-dimensional wind velocity vector from the three-dimensional vector data.
 12. A method for measuring a weather-related force applied to a weather-sensing apparatus, the method comprising: a) providing a weather-sensing apparatus comprising: 1) a spherical drag-generating component; 2) a shaft connected to the spherical drag-generating component; 3) two or more force sensors attached directly to the shaft; and 4) a processor; b) inputting force sensor signals from the two or more force sensors to the processor; c) calculating three-dimensional vector data from force sensor signals; and d) identifying an individual hydrometeor impact from the three-dimensional vector data.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising calculating a size, a mass, or a volume for an individual hydrometeor impacting the weather-sensing apparatus.
 14. The method of claim 12 further comprising calculating a real-time three-dimensional wind velocity vector from the three-dimensional vector data.
 15. The method of claim 12 further comprising transmitting three-dimensional vector data.
 16. The method of claim 12 further comprising obtaining a measurement from an accelerometer, wherein the measurement from the accelerometer describes an acceleration of the weather-sensing apparatus caused by an individual hydrometeor impact.
 17. The method of claim 12 further comprising collecting data from a plurality of said weather-sensing apparatuses.
 18. The method of claim 12 further comprising modeling weather or predicting a weather event.
 19. The method of claim 12 further comprising calculating a three-dimensional velocity vector for an individual hydrometeor impacting the weather-sensing apparatus.
 20. A system for collecting and providing weather data, the system comprising: a) a weather-sensing apparatus comprising: 1) a spherical drag-generating component; 2) a shaft connected to the spherical drag-generating component; and 3) two or more force sensors attached directly to the shaft; b) a processor configured to receive as input force sensor signals from the two or more force sensors; and c) a software component for implementing an algorithm on the processor to calculate three-dimensional vector data from the force sensor signals and for implementing an algorithm on the processor to identify an individual hydrometeor impact from the three-dimensional vector data.
 21. The system of claim 20 comprising a software component for implementing an algorithm on the processor to calculate a real-time three-dimensional wind velocity vector from the three-dimensional vector data.
 22. The system of claim 20 comprising two or more said devices distributed over a geographic region.
 23. The system of claim 20 comprising a software component for implementing an algorithm on the processor to calculate a three-dimensional velocity vector for an individual hydrometeor impacting the weather-sensing apparatus.
 24. The system of claim 22 wherein the two or more devices are distributed over a region having an area of 100 to 100,000 m² or wherein the two or more devices are separated from one another by 10 to 10,000 m. 